Required Method Books:Concert Band

Required Method Books:Symphonic Band

BandConcert/Sympho﻿nic/Jazz

Concert Band

The concert band is made up of incoming seventh grade students with or without previous band skills. Eighth grade students who did not take band in 7th grade may also join the concert band. Students continue developing their musicianship skills on a band instrument as well as learn basic music theory and history, and develop group performance skills. Students involved in the band program have many opportunities throughout the year to perform and travel to hear and work with professional musicians in the area. The Concert Band performs a minimum of three concerts during the year. Private lessons are, of course, helpful and recommended. Concert Band also performs at the MSBOA District 12.

Symphonic Band

This group is the top-performing band at Frost. The Symphonic Band is composed of students who successfully completed Concert Band in seventh grade. The students in the Symphonic Band work on enhancing of skills learned in their previous training. Students involved in the band program have many opportunities throughout the year to perform and travel to hear and work with professional musicians in the area. This band is mainly for students who have the interest to devote a minimum of two hours to practice a week. Private lessons are, of course, helpful and recommended. The Symphonic Band performs a minimum of three concerts during the year. Symphonic Band also performs at the MSBOA District 12 Festival and marches in the fall with the Livonia Churchill High School Marching Band.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is an extension of Symphonic Band. Admission is only by teacher approval and by audition. Auditions are held in March/April (of the seventh grade year) for the Jazz Band class of the following year. The Jazz Band performs during the year with the Symphonic Band in addition to performing as a Jazz Band at concerts. Furthermore, the Jazz Band has performed for Open Houses and local company functions. The Jazz Band performs a minimum of three concerts during the year. Only for 8th Graders.

- Instrument in good working condition- 1 Music Folder (Provided by Frost Music Dept.)- 2 Pencils (Keep one in your music case)- Standard accessories (oil, reeds, neck strap, mouthpiece, etc.)- Metronome- Electronic tuner - Music stand for practice and concerts – folding stand- REED INSTRUMENTS (oboe, clarinet, and sax): Have 2 good working reeds on you in class at all times.

Please note that the school does NOT provide reeds,oils, waxes, sticks, mallets, or any other standard careequipment. Students using a school instrumentshould provide their own mouthpiece, neck strap, andreeds.

Percussion Equipment (Required for ALL percussionists): See Percussionists requirement page

Instrument Recommendations: Instrument brands that we have found to be of a high quality for the beginning musician, are manufactured to perform well in school bands and will physically hold up under the day-to-day use by younger players.

Flute - Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Yamaha, Jupiter, Accent

Clarinet - Vito, Selmer, LeBlanc, Yamaha, or Buffet

Alto Sax - Vito, Selmer, Yamaha, Accent

Trumpet - Bach, King, Jupiter or Yamaha

Horn - Holton, Conn or Yamaha

Trombone – Bach, King or Yamaha

Classroom Rules:We do not anticipate any severe discipline problems. Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Resourceful This encompasses treatment of equipment and people alike. If we all treat each other with respect, the band will grow and prosper into a wonderful musical organization.

Everyday practice:1. Absolutely no talking when the teacher is working. 2. On a rehearsal cut-off, all playing stops instantly. 3. In seats with instruments ready to play at (i.e. 4 minutes after class start)-- no playing instruments until downbeat. 4. Stay in seat for entire rehearsal

School Expectations:1. Be in your seat with your instrument, music & pencil.2. Sit quietly and listen for directions once class begins.3. Display a positive attitude at all times by being respectful and responsible.4. Raise your hand if you have a question.5. Take care of personal matters before class starts (ex. getting a drink, going to the bathroom, etc.)6. Don’t touch any other band member’s instruments or equipment.7. Display proper instrument playing position.8. Band class is for band music; don’t bring work from other classes.9. No gum or food is allowed in the band room.10. All other Frost MS and LPS district rules apply in band class.